Everyday Service and Delivery
Yes. Services such as bin collections, housing, planning applications, leisure facilities, and social care continue as usual.
Yes. Staff will continue delivering services throughout the transition. Some roles may change as councils reorganise, but services will not stop.
Once LGR is implemented, some services may be delivered differently. Any changes will be planned and clearly communicated to residents.
Council tax and local services will continue under the new unitary council. Any adjustments will be announced to all stakeholders.
No. Residents should continue to contact Fylde Council in the usual way until the new unitary council is in place. Any future changes to websites, phone numbers or offices will be clearly communicated.
Governance and Elections
The number of councillors will reduce as part of the move to unitary councils. Currently, there are 693 councillors across Lancashire’s 15 authorities. This is expected to reduce to fewer than 250, depending on how many new unitary councils are created.
Ward boundaries may change as part of the move to unitary councils. Any changes will be confirmed once the minister has decided the new arrangements for Lancashire, and they will be shared well in advance of the Shadow Authority elections in May 2027.
No. Parish and town councils will continue to operate as they do now. LGR applies to district and county councils.
In May 2027, residents will elect councillors to the Shadow Unitary Authorities. These bodies mirror the new councils that will take control on Vesting Day in April 2028.
Shadow Authorities are a requirement because only their members can appoint the statutory chief officers (Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer, Monitoring Officer), agree the council’s constitution, and set the first year’s council tax. They also work with the existing councils to make sure services and systems are ready for a smooth transition.
The new unitary councils established in Lancashire will form the membership of a Combined Authority, and it is intended that a directly elected Mayor for Lancashire will be introduced. This could take place at the same time as the Shadow Authority elections in May 2027. Each individual unitary council will also decide, through its constitution, whether to retain a civic (non-elected) mayor role, similar to the one currently held at Fylde.
Information for Businesses
Yes. Services such as business rates, licensing, planning, and business support will continue as usual.
Once LGR is implemented, these services may be brought together under the new unitary council structure. Businesses will be informed of any changes before they happen.
Projects already in progress will continue. They may later be managed by the new authority.
